Accessible Resources for Independence

03/10/2026

Coming up this Saturday!

The Maryland Disability Forum is hosting a free, in-person Voter Education Workshop for people with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to learn more about accessible voting options, understand your rights at the polls, and get clear information about how voter guardianship may affect your ability to vote.

If you want to feel more confident navigating the voting process and making sure your voice is heard, this workshop will provide practical information and a chance to ask questions in a supportive environment.

DATE & TIME: March 14, 2026 from 10 AM- 12 Noon
LOCATION: Utopia Entertainment, 5270 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD 20852
REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/GEW8jit

In Partnership With Jubilee Association of Maryland, The League for People with Disabilities, Maryland Disabilities Forum, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Disability Rights Maryland, The Arc Maryland, Maryland Works, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.

03/09/2026

Looking for programs, services, and resources in Howard County?

The 2026 Resource Guide for Older Adults, Individuals with Disabilities, and Caregivers from the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence is a helpful place to start. This handy guide highlights a wide range of local supports, including wellness programs, caregiver resources, housing, nutrition, transportation, dementia-friendly initiatives, and opportunities to stay active and connected in the community.

View the 2026 Resource Guide: https://buff.ly/VjDQsdD

Accessible Resources for Independence (ARI) regularly shares resources like this to help people stay informed about services in our community. One of ARI’s core Independent Living services is Information & Referral, which means our team can help you navigate guides like this, understand what programs may be helpful to you, and connect you with the right services.

If you would like help navigating resources or learning about services available to you, contact ARI at 410-636-2274 or arinow@arinow.org

03/09/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the role people with developmental disabilities play in our communities.

This year, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) is leading the national campaign “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always.” The message is simple and powerful: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — contributing, leading, working, creating, and shaping the world around us.

Learn more about the national campaign: https://buff.ly/XWPpRuw

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is also a reminder that inclusion requires continued advocacy. Here in Maryland, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is working every day to advance policies, protect programs, and expand opportunities that support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Connect with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council: https://buff.ly/wqcKe3b

People with developmental disabilities are not separate from our communities. They are part of our past, our present, and our future. This month and every month, we all have a role to play in building communities where everyone belongs.

This March, NACCD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.

03/09/2026

Important conversation happening tomorrow!

If you receive services through the Maryland DORS or work with a Center for Independent Living, it’s important to know about the Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP). CAP can help explain your rights, answer questions, and provide advocacy support if you run into challenges accessing services.

Join tomorrow’s session to meet the CAP team, learn how the program works, and understand how this resource may be able to support you or someone you care about.

SAVE the DATE - Chat with CAP - Tuesday, March 10th at 2:00pm

The Maryland Client Assistance Program (CAP) may help to provide information, advice, and advocacy to Marylanders with disabilities applying for and receiving services from Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and Centers for Independent Living (CILs).

This informational session will:
• Introduce the CAP team
• Give a brief overview of DORS and CILs
• Discuss the purpose and support that CAP may provide
• Time for questions and answers (note: not individual cases)

Meeting ID meet.google.com/tfi-nmru-ymj Phone Number 413-350-0368 PIN: 685 300 653 #

03/06/2026

📢 The application deadline has been extended for the Maryland Youth Leadership Forum!

Shout out to Independence Now, Inc.'s intern from Gallaudet University for creating this great video highlighting the program. Watch to see how this 3-day leadership experience empowers high school students with disabilities to build confidence, explore their future, and connect with peers from across Maryland.

brings together high school juniors and seniors with disabilities for an immersive experience on a college campus, with interactive sessions on leadership, disability history, career exploration, and independent living.

Extended Application Deadline: March 28, 2026
Program Dates: June 25–27, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/3wmCeUG

03/05/2026

A new documentary series from the producers of Love on the Spectrum is currently casting adults who have never been in a romantic relationship and are ready to explore what connection could look like for them.

The series aims to thoughtfully follow individuals as they introduce themselves, take a chance, and discover meaningful connection on their own terms. Like Love on the Spectrum, this project is designed to center authenticity, dignity, and support throughout the experience.

Producers are seeking adults 18+ of all backgrounds, body types, abilities, ages, and ethnicities.

If this feels like it might be a good fit for you or someone in our community, you can learn more and complete the questionnaire here: https://buff.ly/LG20MF8

If selected, participants will be supported by producers throughout the process.

As always, please review details carefully and decide what feels right for you.

Untitled Dating Series

03/05/2026

Let’s Explore AT…

Meet: Swivel Seat Cushions

What does it do? Converts any stationary chair into a rotating chair.

Why is it so cool? It’s a low-tech, high-impact solution to the difficulties of daily living activities, which make these activities feel more manageable.

Who will benefit from it? Swivel cushions may help people with physical disabilities, including (but not limited to) cerebral palsy, arthritis, and POTS, by reducing the energy required for daily activities.

How much does it cost? There are many different types of Swivel cushions on the market. Costs typically range from $20 to $50, depending on features and quality.

Note: This device can be tested at ARI through our Assistive Technology Community Demonstration Library. If you are interested, please contact Betsy Hein at 443-713-3910 or by email at bhein@arinow.org

IMAGE: Black swivel seat cushion placed on a car seat, with arrows on top indicating 360-degree rotation.

03/04/2026

The moment has arrived! 🔥♿

The Paralympic Games officially begin today, bringing together world-class athletes from across the globe. Over the coming days, competitors will demonstrate incredible skill, perseverance, and passion on the international stage.

We’re celebrating every athlete taking part and the way sport connects communities around the world — while proudly cheering on Team USA! 🇺🇸

Missed the Opening Ceremony? Watch it here: https://buff.ly/71RmQOG

Let the competition begin!

VIDEO THUMBNAIL: Promotional image for the Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies showing two Paralympic athletes in winter competition gear celebrating in front of fireworks inside a stadium. Text reads “Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies.”

Relive some of the most unforgettable moments from previous Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies (1992–2022) 🎆.From the lighting of the flame to the P...

03/04/2026

Parents and caregivers: learn how to better support your child in the special education process.

Join the Howard County Office of the Local Children’s Board and Live Well Ed for a free interactive workshop designed to help families understand and navigate IEPs and 504 Plans, learn about parent rights under Maryland law, and build strong advocacy skills.

Participants will leave with practical tools, a personalized action plan, and an IEP/504 Empowerment Playbook.

Saturday, March 14, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
East Columbia 50+ Center
6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD

Light refreshments and lunch provided
Onsite childcare available (first come, first served)

Register here: https://buff.ly/zNsqnVa

For questions or to reserve childcare, email klineberger@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-0223.

03/04/2026

📢 TONIGHT!

The Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council is launching an exciting new statewide initiative — and you’re invited to be part of it!

The CUP Campaign, which stands for Courage to Use Your Power, is a call to action for Marylanders with disabilities, advocates, partners, and allies. The campaign is designed to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and spark a renewed sense of agency, collective strength, and community-driven advocacy across our state.

Campaign Kickoff Webinar
TONIGHT! March 4, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Register for the CUP Campaign Launch: https://buff.ly/NGzEcfJ

Can’t attend the live kickoff? Contact Maryland SILC Executive Director Lorna-Mae Silcott at 240-452-1952 or executivedirector@marylandsilc.org to learn how you can stay involved.

The CUP Campaign encourages all of us to move beyond traditional advocacy and recognize the power we already hold — to influence policy, shape our communities, and strengthen the Independent Living movement. As part of the launch, Maryland SILC is also highlighting the IL Anthem, celebrating the history, resilience, and continued momentum of Independent Living.

Systemic change happens when we work together. ARI is proud to stand alongside Maryland SILC and our fellow Centers for Independent Living in building a stronger, more accessible Maryland.

Are you ready to use your power?

IMAGE: Graphic promoting the Maryland SILC CUP Campaign launch featuring a gold trophy labeled “Courage to Use your Power” and the headline “Do You Have the Courage?” Includes Zoom registration link, contact information, and event details for March 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

03/04/2026

Important update for our community. The Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver.

These services play a critical role in helping people with disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities. If you or someone you support receives services through the waiver, this is an opportunity to learn about the proposed updates and share your perspective.

Take a moment to review the information below and consider attending one of the upcoming webinars. The public comment period is open through April 1.

Input needed - proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver. We are hosting webinars on March 4 and March 11 to provide an overview of changes DDA is requesting to improve the long-term sustainability of the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program. The webinar will also include a Question and Answer segment. The proposed changes to the current waiver will be considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We encourage the community to share feedback. DDA has opened a 30-day public comment period that runs through April 1, 2026. Comments can be submitted to wfb.dda@maryland.gov or mailed to: DDA Federal Programs Unit, 201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore MD 21201. Register for the March 4th webinar: https://bit.ly/3OTR6WS. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/4l8haJm.

03/03/2026

Our March edition of Give Me Five is here!

Read about Independent Living Day in Annapolis, the launch of Maryland SILC’s Courage to Use Your Power (CUP) Campaign, an upcoming Chat with CAP session, assistive technology spotlight, and more ways to stay connected with Maryland’s Independent Living community.

Read the full newsletter: https://buff.ly/sBHhCXo